Buttons and Beeswax is a designer and maker of bespoke garments, knitwear and accessories based in Bristol, UK.
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Tuesday, 12 May 2009

I've been inundated with requests from some fellow knitting peeps on Ravelry for the pattern for this knitted teddy bear. I originally found it on a website called Cabbage Patch Treasures but it seems to have been taken down, so I'm going to post it up again.

I did originally print off a copy but never saved the scans to my computer, which is a shame as the pattern is ancient and has some really cute photos in it.

My copy unfortunately faded and I had to throw it away, but I managed to copy it out first. If there are any mistakes I'm really sorry - I haven't had a chance to knit another one from this yet to check if it's ok!

The original pattern is in garter stitch but I made mine in stocking stitch as it seemed a bit tighter and you couldn't see the stuffing. Here goes...

Free Knitted Teddy Bear Pattern

Head Caston 16st and k 2 rows. Cont. in stst inc. 1 st each end of next and every following 3rd row until there are 24 sts. Work 17 rows straight.

Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.
Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.
Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.
Repeat last 3 rows once, then work the last of these 3 rows again.
Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end, inc in last st. Work 2 rows straight.
Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end. Inc in last st. Work 9 rows straight.
Next Row: k17, turn, sl remaining 7 sts onto a thread.
Next Row: k10, sl remaining 7 sts onto a thread.
Next Row: Sl 1, k9, then pick up and k8 along left side of centre section and k the 7 sts from thread.
Next Row: k these 25 sts, then pick up and k8 sts along other side of centre section and k the 7 sts from other thread. Work 8 rows on these 40 sts.
Next Row: k2tog, k16, k2tog, k2tog, k16, k2tog
Next Row: k16, k2tog, k2tog, k16
Next Row: k15, k2tog, k2tog, k15
Next Row: k2tog, k12, k2tog, k2tog, k12, k2tog
Next Row: k12, k2tog, k2tog, k12
Next Row: k11, k2tog, k2tog, k11
Next Row: k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2tog, k8, k2tog
Next Row: k8, k2tog, k2tog, k8
Next Row: k7, k2tog, k2tog, k7

Cast off.

Body (make 2)

Cast on 4 sts. Working in garter st, inc 1 st at each end of every alternate row until there are 26 sts. Work 5 rows straight, then inc 1 st each side of next row. Rep last 6 rows once.

Work 10 rows straight. Now dec 1 st each end next row and every following 6th row until 24 sts remain, after which dec 1 st each end of next 5 alternate rows. Work 1 row, then cast off.

Cast on 8 sts, k 1 row, work 5 rows AT THE SAME TIME inc 1 st both ends each row.
Work 4 rows.
Next Row: k2tog, rep along, cast off.

To make up

Fold head piece in half, sew up seams and stuff. Sew up side seams of arms and legs and sew body pieces together. Stuff and attach limbs and head to body. Add ears, embroider a face and say hello to your new friend!

This is an adorable bear and I have just started him! Am having a bit of trouble with the pattern though. It may just be me but I'm stuck on the head!

After you have worked 17 rows of 24stitches, you start the decreases which brings you down to 10 stitches by my counting. You only make 4 stiches up in the 2 increase rows that follow (14) but the pattern really needs 24 stitches. What am I doing wrong?!

Sorry guys I've only just found out that people have been commenting on my stuff!

I've dug out the pattern again, you're right there is something missing. By my counting from the decrease stitches you'd be down to 16 stitches (basically by repeating "K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight." 4 times, and then knitting another row straight)

However.. after " Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end, inc in last st. Work 2 rows straight." Part of the pattern has partially rubbed away. To recap, I think it should be this:

Head Cast on 16st and k 2 rows. Cont. in stst inc. 1 st each end of next and every following 3rd row until there are 24 sts. Work 17 rows straight.

Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.Repeat last 3 rows once, then work the last of these 3 rows again. (16 sts)Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end, inc in last st. Work 2 rows straight. Repeat last 3 rows once, then work the last of these 3 rows again.Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end, inc in last st. Work 2 rows straight.Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end, inc in last st. Work 9 rows straight. (24 sts)

I don't have time at the moment to try that out but I'm pretty sure thats what it says.. If anyone finds this useful then please let me know!